Got an upcoming skirmish match and thinking about getting a premium Airsoft gun? Great! Or maybe you want to pick up something special for your partner or child if they like Airsoft battles. Whatever the reason, it wouldn’t be surprising if you felt overwhelmed and confused by the sheer number of options available on the market. It makes sense that you want to choose wisely, especially given the cost of Airsoft rifles.
In this article, we'll try and help clear the noise by diving into the benefits and drawbacks of the top five high-end rifles in 2023. This guide will help you in your search for the perfect gun so you can get out there and rule the field by finding an airsoft rifle that suits your preferences.
Continue reading to learn about this year's exciting new options.
1. Arcturus PP19-01 Vityaz ZTAC SP1 Carbine PE Limited Edition
The Arcturus PP19-01 Vityaz ZTAC SP1 Carbine PE Limited Edition Airsoft AEG Rifle is exclusive to Airsoft Station and designed for those seeking a mix of performance and aesthetics.
Let's see what it's packing. Boasting a velocity of 370 FPS with 0.20 BBS, it offers the firepower you need to dominate a match. The Arcturus PP19-01 has a 30/95 round magazine, so you won't run out of fire during intense battles. The rifle's length offers versatility, as it's possible to use it in close-quarter combat and outdoor skirmishes.
Reliability and performance are assured through the ARC V3S Hybrid gearbox. This mechanical system transfers electric energy to mechanical energy to fire the gun. Equipped with a spring tension release, it'll help maintain your gearbox's life.
Precision shots are easily handled, owing to the adjustable hop-up system stabilizing the BB projectile when it leaves the barrel. This rifle also boasts a user-friendly, rotary-style hop-up to make precise adjustments.
The features are a nice bonus. Furnished with a Weaver/Picatinny rail type, players can opt to customize it with a range of accessories. It has a collapsible stock and an adjustable rest. You'll note a sling loop on the stock so that if you're handling tight corners, your sling can adjust to either side.
And this gun won't weigh you down. Coming in at 6 pounds, the rifle is easy to handle.
There are only 220 units available, so it'll be a rare find and an excellent collectible item for airsoft players.
However, note that if you're interested in this one, you'll need to pick up the battery and the charger elsewhere. It's compatible with a 9.6v NiMH or LiPO stick battery with a Deans connector, but it's not included with the rifle purchase.
Pros
- The Arcturus PP19-01 Vityaz ZTAC SP1 is lightweight and durable.
- Its quick-change spring system means you don't need to remove the gearbox.
- It offers a genuine AK-type rifle feel.
- The rail system makes it possible for customization.
- It provides a beefier pistol grip for comfort.
- Varying fire modes are available with this one: safe, semi, auto, and full auto.
Cons
- The Arcturus PP19-01 Vityaz ZTAC SP1 is positioned at a higher price range, so this will only be an option for some.
- It's also exclusive and limited, so it might be a hard find.
- You'll need an extra battery, which can be a cost and time factor.
2. ASG CZ Scorpion EVO 3 HPA Edition
Dubbed the best high-end SMG on the market and received warmly by Airsoft players worldwide, the ASG CZ Scorpion EVO 3 HPA Edition is sure to step up your game.
Equipped with the unique and innovative design of the Wolverine Inferno Generation 2 HPA engine, it’s bound to ensure greater consistency and reliability with each and every shot. This new engine was designed to address the malfunctions that typically occur with open bolt systems while maintaining advantages such as efficacy (i.e., avoiding first-round dry fire) and easy tuning.
The ASG CZ Scorpion offers precision accuracy thanks to the 70° ASG ULTIMATE Hop-up Bucking attachment adjustments. You can also customize this with a range of options.
The ASG CZ Scorpion is a submachine gun, so it's meant to be lightweight. Weighing around 5 pounds, many owners enjoy the remarkably well-designed all-polymer body. It makes for a durable gun.
Chambered for low-energy pistol cartridges, this one comes in at a velocity of 400 FPS w / 0.20 BBS and has a rate of fire of approximately 15-30 per second. The gun comes with 75 rounds included, but depending on your fire mode, you can run through these pretty fast.
One of the most unique functions is that the gun will stop firing after the magazine is emptied. It'll require activation of a bolt catch, and you'll need to insert a full magazine. The magazine is flared on this model though, making reloads faster and easier so you can get back in the game.
The stock is both foldable and adjustable, which is nice for convenience’s sake. Also, you can remove the stock completely if you want. Another great feature for those thinking about purchasing this one is that it comes with sling attachments on both sides of the rifle.
In total, there are four fire modes, including safe, semi-auto, three-round burst, and full auto, and these can be easily adjusted in-game on the side of the gun with the two-handed fire selector. The variable rate of fire allows players to switch up their game and assure domination on the field.
Pros
- The ASG CZ Scorpion is easy to use and lightweight.
- The gun offers a mix of reliability and precision.
- Various fire modes and power are included in this weapon.
Cons
- The battery is sold separately. That’s a cost factor.
- There are complaints that the battery is difficult to install correctly. It might require watching some how-to videos to make it easier.
3. H&K M1101A1 w/ Gate Aster
The first thing you’re bound to notice is the striking appearance of the HK M110A1 w/ Gate Aster Airsoft Rifle. This one's not yet available for sale but it is expected to arrive by the end of October 2023. However, its stellar design and promising features have many eagerly waiting. Let’s dig into some of the most notable ones in the model.
The HK M110A1 w/ Gate Aster Airsoft Rifle is powerful, shooting 6mm BBS at a velocity of 442 FPS. It comes armed with a capacity of 100 rounds, so it's suitable for longer battles. The semi-auto firing mode ensures rapid-fire capabilities. However, the gun also has a safety fire selector to protect you and others on the battlefield.
And if you're looking for precision and control, this one's got you covered. It operates with a single-action trigger that grants a seamless experience. The 455 mm barrel length also helps to improve precision with each shot.
An excellent addition to this one is the Gate Aster. This electronic trigger unit (ETC) technology is designed with performance in mind. The technology is also able to monitor various aspects of the gun as it functions. For instance, its advanced sensor technology can detect and prevent problems, and it also comes equipped with various firing modes to cater to your preferences.
The gun also features a MOSFET, which is used to regulate the electricity that powers the motor of the weapon and grants greater control over the gun's firing rate. Overall, performance has improved dramatically with this new addition.
Remember that, like the other products reviewed here, the battery and the charger are sold separately. The HK M110A1 is compatible with 7.4v or 11.1v Tamiya batteries.
Weighing approximately 3,500 grams or 7.7 pounds, this gun is on the heavier side. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned player, the HK M110A1 is something you might want to check out.
Pros
- This powerful gun offers accuracy and firepower.
- It also comes with new Gate Aster technology that can prevent issues and assure consistent, excellent performance.
- You'll also get a 1-year warranty. You can give yourself some piece of mind with this purchase. If anything breaks, you can get it replaced without having to spend more.
Cons
- You’ll have to find and purchase a battery elsewhere, so that’s additional money you'll need to spend.
- The gun is a high-end purchase and is expensive compared to entry-level guns.
- It's not yet available, though it'll be released on the market soon enough. Expect to see it going on sale by October 31, 2023.
4. Sig Sauer MCX Virtus Proforce
If the Sig Sauer MCX VIRTUS Proforce looks and feels authentic to you, it's because a lot of work went into making it appear so. The team over at SIG SAUER, which produces firearms for real combat situations, worked to create an MCX VIRTUS replica. This is definitely designed to impress and looks sleek, all decked out in black. And it doesn't fail on performance, either. Shooting at a velocity of 380 FPS with 0.20g BBS, its power source is electric.
The MCX Virtus comes packed with many great features that make it a highly sought-after choice. The first of these is the telescope. It's a three-position telescoping PDW-style stock. Using it makes it quick and easy to alter the length for greater movability in close-quarter combat situations.
You can also add optic accessories if you like. There's a 20mm Picatinny top rail, so, you have a lot of space to add what you want.
It’s also suitable for play indoors and outdoors. The MCX VIRTUS comes fitted with an m120 spring for outdoor use and includes an m110 spring for indoor play. You can easily swap out the springs with the Quick-Change Spring Guide. You can outfit the rifle with accessories, as the gun has various M-LOK sections. It's been vented to reduce the weight of the weapon. Multiple sling points makes it easy to carry in battle.
Also, the MCX VIRTUS comes with a functional charging handle. You can adjust the hop-up for the target range or BB weight. The adjustable hop-up is likely to guarantee a more accurate shot.
The handguard is ergonomically designed to offer comfort and control for players. So, as you aim to successfully knock out a contender or change the positions of the gun, it comfortably fits in the palm of your hand.
While the outside features are many and great, so too is what’s inside. Boasting a full-metal Version 2 gearbox, the MCX VIRTUS is primed for aftermarket upgrades.
At the end of the day, if you're looking for reliable and authentic with many great options, then the MCX VIRTUS is likely a good choice.
The battery and the charger don't come with the purchase. The 11.1V LIPO battery is compatible with this. Also, note that this gun is heavier, weighing 7 pounds.
Pros
- The gun is designed to look real.
- MCX VIRTUS is optimized for performance on the battlefield.
- This particular rifle is more suitable for more seasoned players. It’s got a lot of extras.
Cons
- The orange tip attached to the front of the gun is difficult for some players to remove.
- The fact that these guns don't come with a battery increases the overall cost of the item.
5. VFC Avalon Gen 2 Saber Carbine M-LOK
Coming in two different colors (tan and black), the VFC Avalon Gen 2 Saber Carbine M-LOK Airsoft Rifle is a welcome addition to the expanding line of rifles.
It’s sleek design makes the VFC Avalon a popular option, but it’s also durable. Made from heavy-duty metal, the rifle is meant to withstand even the most intensive battles. You don’t have to worry about the gun weighing you down in battle, either. It only weighs 5 pounds.
The gun packs a lot of power. Shooting at a velocity of 380 FPS w/ 0.20 BBs, there are three different fire modes (safe, semi-auto, full auto) you can choose from. There’s 120 magazine rounds included to ensure you can get going right out of the box. Because of its high performance, this one is likely more suitable for a more experienced Airsoft player.
You need optic accessories for this place because the VFC Avalon Gen 2 comes with flip-up front and rear sights. You can hone in on your targets with ease using these, but if you want to use optic accessories, you can. The 20mm Picatinny top rail gives you the option to add your choice of optic sights. You can also accessorize with foregrips, as the VFC Avalon comes equipped with an M-Lok.
The Quick Spring Change System is a valuable feature for those wanting to customize rate of fire. Like the others reviewed in this guide, the gun does have the adjustable hop-up function, ensuring your shots are more accurate, consistent and efficient.
The rifle is fitted with the VFC Avalon gearbox. You got a lot more firepower due to the high torque motors powering it.
Some other notable features worth mentioning: the VFC QRS trigger guard is ergonomically designed to give players a better grip. The QRS stock makes it easy to transport the gun and adjust the length. There's also a slip-resistant pad to offer players more stability and comfort during battle.
You’ll need a 9.6v NiMH Nunchuck Battery (Small Tamiya), which is not included in the purchase. The battery fits in the back of the gun quite easily, so you won’t have to worry about the hassle with this one.
Pros
- The high-torque motor promises consistent firing in semi and full-auto shooting modes.
- Constructed with quality in mind, the VFC Avalon is constructed from a metal frame and a metal gearbox, it’s durable and made to last.
- The magazine is mid-capacity, meaning you'll have a lot of chances to make your shot in a battle.
- The VFC Avalon Gen 2 is the most budget-friendly option as it is a bit less costly than the other models reviewed.
Cons
- The VFC Avalon Gen 2 is likely more suitable for more experienced players.
- The battery and charger aren’t included in the purchase, so you should plan to buy it separately.
High-End Airsoft Rifles to Guide You to Victory in 2023
If you’re looking to pick up something to ensure dominance on the battlefield or simply want to try something new for more precision and power, one of the top high-end airsoft rifles of 2023 ought to do the trick. Each gun offers a unique blend of reliability and accuracy. Keep in mind, however, that some of the options for Airsoft rifles are definitely more lightweight and simpler in design than others. So, consider your experience level and what you need. Elevate your game and dominate the field with one of these great choices.